Sen. Bill Ketron, who was a supporter of selling wine in grocery stores, smiles after the Senate passed the measure on Monday. / John Partipilo / The Tennessean

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Sen. Bill Ketron reads his bill in the Senate on Monday, March 3, 2014. The state Senate's approval of wine sales in grocery stores sends the measure to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature. / John Partipilo / The Tennessean

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After more than seven years of debate, legislation that would let grocery stores sell wine is headed to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature.

A spokesman for Haslam said Thursday night that he is likely to sign it.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Voters in cities and counties that allow bars or liquor stores could hold referendums starting this fall on whether to let grocery stores sell wine.

• If those referendums pass, about 2,000 supermarkets, big-box retailers and convenience stores could qualify to sell wine beginning July 1, 2016.

• Liquor stores can start selling snacks, mixers, novelty items and other merchandise starting July 1, 2014. They also can block grocery stores located within 500 feet from selling wine until July 1, 2017.

• Sunday sales of wine still would be forbidden, even in grocery stores. “High-gravity” beer will continue to be sold only in liquor stores.

• Wine would have to be marked up at least 20 percent in grocery stores and liquor stores.

• Liquor stores will be required to card all customers, regardless of their age.

• Liquor distributors can open warehouses outside Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville and Memphis. This will allow the first distributor in the Tri-Cities area.